Brené Brown, PhD is a researcher, storyteller, author and professor whose study has primarily focused on human connection and vulnerability. Many of her works reference the discovery she has made about how the key to a fulfilled human life experience is found in intimate connection. She defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship” (The Gifts of Imperfection). Essentially, when one human is able to know and be known by another human, it breeds a deep bond of oneness, that is an essential component of a meaningful life.
We witness this spark in the shared laughter of two lifetime, soul-friends; or the warmth of a mother’s gaze at her nursing babe; or the moment a spouse profoundly celebrates the accomplishment of his or her partner. The deep of one crying out to the deep of another.
She also explores how this connection is an experience intended for humans to share with the Divine. “Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose to our lives” (The Gifts of Imperfection). The depth of shared human experience is birthed first out of the shared foundation of being created beings, by a God who has a plan and intention for humanity as a whole.
Is it possible to pursue this depth of connection internally, within our own selves? Through my own work of emotional healing over the past year, I have begun to discover that internal connection is not only possible, but really is necessary to connect authentically with others. It is only by tuning into what our bodies, minds and spirits are saying that we can simultaneously experience the knowing and the being known. And how much better can we offer the gift of knowing another, after we have experienced it for ourselves?
Artist and Spiritual Director Scott Erickson shared his musings on knowing our internal selves on his Instagram post today:
“When you’re depleted, your mind is a big fat liar about all kinds of things. Especially identity and survival strategy. It’s been calculating non-stop on how to earn love through producing and success… and it just starts sounding like a crazy person with crappy PR strategies. It has lost it’s Knowing through exhaustion. You must connect with another kind of Knowing.
That is found in the wonder of your body.
Your legs and arms know what to do… they carry you to all kinds of wonderful places.
Your heart keeps pumping without your permission… inviting you to the glory of all things.
Your breath whispers the name of the Divine over and over again like a secret charismatic meeting.
Your taste buds know that joy is found in salsa spices and warmed tortilla chips.
There are many different kinds of knowing. Our culture is obsessed with mind knowing.
But your body knows the truth.
And that truth is that you are unquestionably and unconditionally loved.
May you descend into the wonder of that truth today.”
I invite you to practice a meditation on the passage of Psalm 139:13-18, with the intention of knowing yourself and accepting yourself… that you may be better known by God and others, and likewise, more fully offer the gift of knowing.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
How precious to me are your thoughts, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
About the Author
Britni is a quiet but fearless spirit who is earnestly seeking the beauty of the redemption that Jesus has personally determined for her life. Committed to the truth that listening breeds understanding and understanding results in compassion, she clings to the power of life’s stories. She has embarked on the venture of discovering her own story and lending an ear to the stories lived out in others and savors the trace of Jesus that is woven throughout them all. Currently, that journey has landed her in a balancing act between the role of wife, momma, and a mental health Care Coordinator.